Join No.50

What is Freemasonry?

"A system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated with
symbols". "A system of making
good men better, but Freemasonry cannot make bad men good". You could ask 100 different people what
Freemasonry is and it is possible that you would get 100 different answers. Freemasonry is a worldwide ancient fraternal
society of good men from all walks of life who believe in friendship, honour, morality
and sound ethics. Freemasonry and
Masonic Lodges in Scotland are governed by The Grand Lodge of Scotland which is
based in Edinburgh.

Is
Freemasonry a Secret Society?

Freemasonry is often mistaken as "Secret Society". If it
were then we wouldn't have published this site on the World Wide Web for all to
see, neither would you be able to identify the Masonic Lodge in your town, many
Lodges have plaques at the door. Members are free to acknowledge their
Masonic membership to others and some Lodges even publish the dates of their
meetings in local newspapers. Masonic processions are a common sight in
many towns, these are hardly the actions of a Secret Society. The secrets
of Freemasonry are connected with the traditional modes of recognition and like
many other societies, clubs and organisations it regards many of it's internal
affairs and actions to be of a private nature for its members.

Is
Freemasonry a Religion?

It is not a religion, although an essential
requirement to become a member is the belief in a "Supreme Being". Membership
is open to men of any religion or race and they are encouraged to follow their
own faith and do their duty to their own "God". Religious discussions
are not permitted at Lodge meetings.

Is
Freemasonry a Political Party?

Freemasonry is not a Political Party, it is
true that leading Politicians are members of the fraternity, however,
discussions of a political nature are forbidden at Lodge meetings, Freemasonry
is neither a Subversive Organisation or an Action Group, members must be
peaceful, law abiding members of the community who are of good repute.

Is
Freemasonry a Charity?

It is not a charity either, although members
contribute considerably to a number of worthwhile charitable organisations and
causes.

What Principlesdo Freemasons believe in?

Freemasons believe in three great principles, these are:

Brotherly Love: is the concern which
each Freemason has for his Brother,
which is readily shown by tolerance and respect for the beliefs, opinions and
practices of his fellows and his willingness to care for his Brother and that
Brother's dependents.

Relief: The Freemason is by
nature and teachings a charitable man.
He will cheerfully and kindly assist those less fortunate (whether
Freemasons or not). He will care for and
support his community - Local, National
and International.

Truth: The Freemason
believes in Truth in all things, in honesty and integrity in his personal,
business and public life, in fair dealings and in firm standards of decency and
morality.

Who
are Freemasons?

Freemasons include members of the Royal Family, Business Leaders,
Political Leaders, Government Agents, Writers, Entertainers, Actors, Artists,
Sportsmen, Inventors, Designers, Pioneers, Founders, Patriots, Presidents,
members of the Police Force, Judges, Justices, members of HM Forces, the
ordinary man on the street and may be even your next door neighbour. You will most probably know of someone who is
a Mason.

Who can become
members?

Men of the mature age of 21 (or 18 if his father was a Mason) who
believe in a "Supreme Being" (A God) who are of sound character and
judgment and are law abiding members of the community, free of any convictions and have never plead
guilty to a crime, may apply to be considered to become a Mason.

I
think I qualify, how do I become a member?

You may have heard or seen the phrase
"2B1ASK1"(to be one, ask one) meaning to be a Freemason, ask a
Freemason. That would be your best first
step to becoming a member, they will be more than pleased to tell you what they
can about Freemasonry. If you don't know
a Freemason you could find out who is the secretary of your local Lodge and
give him a call or send a letter expressing your interest.

If you have a specific interest in joining Lodge Inveraray St. John No.
50 discuss your interest with one of the Brethren, orcontact our Secretary for further
information.

What
does it cost to become a member?

There is a joining fee followed by annual dues to support your Masonic
Lodge which you should be able to pay without the detriment to you or your
dependents.